The First Madam stifled her sobs, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief while surreptitiously observing Dou Zhao’s expression.

Dou Zhao finally set down her teacup, her originally gentle demeanor turning serious. “It seems you’re already aware that thieves coveted my dowry, taking advantage of the fire at Duke Ying’s manor to sneak through the second gate and attack Yizhi Hall, intending to harm me?”

This incident had already caused an uproar.

The illustrious Duke Ying’s manor, a first-rank noble house descended from founding heroes who fought alongside the first emperor, had enjoyed continuous imperial favor for over a century and was considered the most prominent aristocratic family in the capital. Yet thieves had broken in, with many still at large, possibly having fled or hidden somewhere in the manor. Tao Qizhong needed the household maids to help search, making it impossible to keep a secret.

Panic spread through Duke Ying’s manor like wildfire. The First Madam and Madam Tan were warned not to leave their rooms. Their sturdy-looking maids were called to assist the Five Wards Commandery in searching for the thieves, leaving only a few young, naive servant girls to attend them. The rooms felt eerily empty, and the frightened girls huddled together, crying incessantly. This left the First Madam and Madam Tan, who were staying overnight at the manor, both terrified and regretful, fearing thieves might break in. When they heard Dou Zhao had summoned them, they set aside their previous grudges, hoping she would let them stay in the heavily guarded Yizhi Hall until dawn rather than return to their defenseless guest rooms.

Hearing Dou Zhao’s words, the First Madam nodded repeatedly, trying to comfort her: “Don’t worry! It’s almost dawn. Once Yantang gets the news, he’ll return quickly to take charge…”

“Of course!” Dou Zhao coldly interrupted, her clear eyes flashing like sharp blades as she stared at the First Madam. “Since you manage the household affairs of Duke Ying’s manor, I assume you approved when Mr. Tao wanted to open the second gate to fetch water for firefighting?”

The First Madam shuddered at these words.

It was clear Dou Zhao hadn’t summoned her with good intentions!

Duke Ying’s manor had strict rules; how could the inner courtyard be entered at will? During the day, maids were guarding the second gate. After it was locked, no one could enter or exit without the manor’s matching token, let alone leave it wide open like this. It was like a noble lady suddenly stripped of her outer garments, allowing anyone to stare and judge.

When Mr. Tao had the night watchwoman relay the message to her, she had her doubts. But considering Tao was Duke Ying’s advisor and she was merely temporarily managing the manor’s token, she worried about being held responsible if the outer courtyard truly caught fire.

After much deliberation, she had allowed the second gate to be opened…

Who knew her worst fears would come true?

Because the second gate was wide open, thieves had snuck in and nearly harmed Dou Zhao. While Tao Qizhong couldn’t escape blame, she, as the keeper of the token, was equally implicated.

Recalling how Dou Zhao had crudely demanded she hand over the token earlier, the First Madam now understood her intentions.

Times had changed.

Did she dare say “no” at this moment?

In such chaos, instead of hiding fearfully like herself, Dou Zhao immediately thought to use this incident to force her to admit her mistake and hand over the token. Setting aside everything else, just for this ability to assess the situation and act decisively, the First Madam couldn’t think of anyone else in the entire capital as bold as Dou Zhao.

If she didn’t admit her mistake, would Dou Zhao let her off?

She might be bound as an accomplice to the thieves and charged with collaborating with criminals as soon as she left this room.

After all, with both the Second Master and Yantang away, and Tao and others preoccupied, who would care about her and her daughter-in-law?

Thinking of this, the First Madam wilted like a frost-bitten eggplant.

She nodded with a bitter smile, making excuses: “I was momentarily confused. I thought since Mr. Tao is the Duke’s advisor, how could his idea be wrong? Who knew it would turn out to be a mistake…”

As she spoke, several strong maidservants quietly entered with clubs, standing behind Dou Zhao like a screen, staring intently at her as if she were a mistress, ready to beat her if she said anything wrong…

Had she truly fallen this time?

If she didn’t hand over the token, judging by Dou Zhao’s stance, she would take it by force! But if she did hand it over, how could the Second Master forgive her when he returned?

Yet under such pressure, she had no choice but to comply!

Since Dou Zhao was determined to have it, why provoke her further?

Having made up her mind, the First Madam changed her tone: “I come from a humble background and don’t understand the gravity of these matters.” She instructed Madam Tan: “Go back and bring Duke Ying’s manor’s token.” Then, turning to Dou Zhao with a face full of regret, she said: “I am unworthy and incapable. Please, Madam, take charge of Duke Ying’s manor’s affairs.”

Meanwhile, Song Mo stood under the eaves of the duty room, gazing towards Duke Ying’s manor with a grave expression.

“Are you certain?” he asked coldly to the guard who had come to report the unusual situation. “It was Duke Ying’s manor that caught fire?”

“Yes, sir. I saw it clearly,” the guard respectfully replied. “Fearing a mistake, I even sent someone on horseback to inquire. Not only did Duke Ying’s manor catch fire, but thieves also broke in.” At this point, he showed a relieved expression. “Fortunately, those thieves were captured by the manor guards, and the Five Wards Commandery arrived in time. The fire has been contained, and Duke Ying’s manor suffered no major damage. Only four guards sustained minor injuries.”

Thieves?

How could there be thieves right under the Emperor’s nose?

And they dared to rob Duke Ying’s manor? Who would believe such a thing?

Song Mo’s hand, hanging at his side, clenched into a tight fist before slowly moving behind his back, as if this could conceal his current anger.

How was Dou Zhao now?

Had she been harmed? Was she frightened?

She had just married into Duke Ying’s manor and was probably facing such a situation for the first time in her life. Would she regret marrying him?

At this thought, his heart felt as if it were being pricked by countless needles, a dull ache… He had forgotten his surprise when Dou Zhao had held him hostage before.

Was his father involved in this incident?

Song Mo’s face gradually turned ashen.

One’s body is received from one’s parents.

His father could harm him, but not Dou Zhao?

His eyes seemed to dance with fire. After a long moment, he asked, “Has my wife been injured?”

Dou Zhao was in the inner courtyard. Even if she were injured, it would be difficult for the guard to know in such a short time. But he just wanted to ask, as if this would somehow ease his heart.

The guard couldn’t help but look up at Song Mo, a hint of confusion flashing across his brow.

He had already stated clearly that only four guards at Duke Ying’s manor were injured. Why was the young master still asking if his wife was hurt?

But Song Mo was his superior, so he had to answer.

“There’s been no word of Madam being injured.”

Though Song Mo knew the guard would answer this way, hearing it still stirred up a thousand waves in his heart. A flash of fierceness crossed his eyes and brows, though he inwardly regretted his reaction.

If he had known this would happen, he should have gone to the Fengtai camp.

Although it was farther from home, it was freer than the palace.

Unlike now, when he and Dou Zhao were so close yet so far. With the palace gates tightly shut, he had no way to comfort Dou Zhao, not even a word of concern could be spoken.

“Damn it!” Song Mo cursed under his breath, his expression gloomy.

Everyone thought he was angry about the fire at Duke Ying’s manor and was about to offer words of comfort when a guard hurriedly entered.

“Sir!” He bowed respectfully to Song Mo and said, “A servant from your household has sent word. The Madam is safe and unharmed, and everything at home is in order. They ask everyone not to worry!”

Song Mo’s eyes lit up, and the air around him seemed to lighten.

Everyone came forward to congratulate Song Mo.

However, after a moment of contemplation, Song Mo went to the Qianqing Palace.

The Emperor had not yet risen. Song Mo waited in the Qianqing Palace for nearly half an hour before lamps were lit in the hall. After another half hour, Wang Ge came out smiling and announced him.

The Emperor was holding a bowl of porridge.

Song Mo knelt before the Emperor, his eyes bloodshot: “Your Majesty, this humble servant requests to leave the palace early!”

The Emperor was taken aback.

Song Mo had always been a sensible child, never so distressed or aggrieved.

The Emperor glanced at Wang Ge, seeing he also didn’t know what was happening, and sternly asked, “What has occurred?”

Song Mo recounted the incident of the fire and thieves at home: “…At first, we didn’t know whose home it was, but because it was so close to the Forbidden City, we sent someone to inquire…”

Before he could finish, there was a loud “crash” as the Emperor’s exquisite red porcelain bowl shattered on the golden brick floor.

“Outrageous, absolutely outrageous!” The Emperor was furious. “In this peaceful and prosperous era, how dare thieves break into Duke Ying’s manor? What is the Shuntin Prefecture doing? And the Five Wards Commandery?” He shouted at Wang Ge, “Go, summon the Prefect of Shuntin and the Commander of the Five Wards Commandery! If they dare to rob Duke Ying’s manor today, were they planning to rob me yesterday?”

The hall fell so silent you could hear a pin drop, with palace maids and eunuchs trembling in fear.

Song Mo said solemnly, “Your Majesty, please allow me to capture these thieves!”

The Emperor took down the Longquan treasure sword displayed on the curio shelf and threw it at Song Mo’s feet with a clang: “Investigate this thoroughly for me. See who dares to rob a meritorious noble family and wreak havoc right under my nose!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Song Mo kowtowed, took the sword, and left the Qianqing Palace.

Dou Zhao, Suxin, and Sulan sat around the kang table, examining the pear wood matching tokens inside the rosewood box.

“These seem quite ordinary!” Sulan pouted, touching the tokens. “How can one tell if they’re fake?”

“It’s not like silver notes from a gold shop where only the note matters, not the person,” Dou Zhao had successfully obtained the tokens, and Suxin was also pleased, speaking more lively than usual. “The issued tokens are all accounted for.”

Sulan smiled, “So that’s why Madam had the First Madam pass on the message that she wants to address all the household maids in the upper courtyard tomorrow morning?”

Suxin nodded with a smile: “This way, Madam’s authority will be properly established!”

Sulan also became cheerful.

Dou Zhao smiled as she handed the rosewood box to Suxin, saying, “Let’s all get some rest now. We have many things to do tomorrow!”